Prisoner of the Crown

by Cheryl Oblon

  Chapter 20

  The lavish gardens on the north side of the castle displayed the variety of cultivated plants and flowers. My favorite, the lilac, was in bloom, and I stopped to enjoy the view. Many of the plants were grown for medications. I froze, wondering if the sleeping herb that my mother took came from here. Glancing up, I saw the party had moved on. I couldn’t linger too long and fall behind. The queens of Lazrel and Bachal walked the gardens. The princesses followed behind them.

  I gave Minnette distance but trailed along with other the attendants behind me. Rank mattered, and I knew where I belonged. Actually, I belonged next to the queen, but Minnette would be annoyed, and our queen didn’t need counsel just now.

  Inhaling deeply, I smiled. It had been so long since fresh air filled my lungs. I’d been in the castle for weeks. Windows opened, but it wasn’t the same. Sun on my face, the random scents of all the flowers mixing, and the soft grass under my feet instead of carpeted stone.

  When they were all distracted by something, I twirled. For a second, I was a little girl on my own estate—carefree and happy. The protective green dome over our country gave the blue sky a turquoise hue. The sky went pink when the shields were fully up and defense systems were active. I’d only seen it pink once, but a vision of pink days made me stop turning.

  “Where are the men?” I asked Marel.

  “A display of ancient military skills on the side lawn. Many of the Bachal soldiers wish to impress the queen. It’s where we’re heading,” Marel said.

  “Oh.” I spun again. Such a pretty day, and we had to go watch men show off with their weapons. “The gardens are nicer.”

  “These are very skilled marksmen,” said the Bachal princess.

  “I’m sure they are,” I replied politely.

  Minnette rolled her eyes at me. She didn’t enjoy this polite chitchat any more than I did, but what an odd ally today. The chill between the two princesses made me move up to buffer between them.

  “You aren’t a princess. You don’t know your place,” the Bachal princess commented.

  My queen glanced back. “Actually, her place is on the left side of the queen. She is deferring to you. Her rank and her place aren’t the same thing. But you don’t know all of our customs.”

  Minnette jerked her head at me. Moving me up to put the other princess down was apparently more important to Minnette. It was unladylike to run, but I picked up my pace and walked around the left side of Minnette to the queen’s side.

  This was where my mother had walked so many times. One step behind the queen and to her left.

  My queen reached back and patted my arm. Another vision shot through my brain. Something falling fast from the sky. There would be blood and pain.

  I heard men shouting. Snapping my head back, I’d never see it in time to control whatever it was quickly enough to stop it.

  “Run,” I shouted.

  I pushed the queen to the right and shoved Minnette back with my other hand. Trying to move out of the way, I wasn’t fast enough. Pain sliced through my left arm. The women shrieked around me and scattered. Marel ran to me. My blood gushed, and my elbow had something lodged in it.

  “We need healers!” Marel shouted.

  Men rushed over.

  Nemal grabbed a man with a bow in his hand and threw him to the ground.

  “What is it?” I tried to move but the pain intensified.

  “Looks like an arrow. Wood. I’ve seen them in history class. We can’t pull it out. Let the healers do their job first.” Marel tied her shawl around my arm to stop the bleeding.

  “I agree.” Remmy rushed over and scooped me up off the ground.

  I asked. “What happened?”

  “An archer lost control of his arrow,” Faldar said.

  “That badly off target?” I asked.

  Minnette stalked over. “That arrow would’ve killed my mother or Kimess if she hadn’t moved everyone. That man is an assassin.”

  “We’ll get to the bottom of it,” the queen’s head guard said.

  “That could’ve hit any of us,” said the Bachal queen.

  Nemal hauled the archer to his feet. “There are cameras recording for security. We’ll study the trajectory.”

  Tons of Bachal men had flooded the lawn. They parted as the Bachal king walked up. “We’ll see that he’s punished.”

  Bachal soldiers took custody of the failed archer. I focused on the exchange as Remmy carried me toward the castle.

  “Don’t worry about a thing. The healers will fix you in no time.” Remmy sounded calm, but I could feel his fear.

  “I know.” I leaned my head on his shoulder.

  “No, no. stay awake,” Remmy said.

  All I wanted to do was sleep. Fighting it, the weakness set in. As he stepped inside the castle, he found a relocator pad and stood on it. We were in the healers’ section in a blink. Remmy set me on a table, and healers took over. One felt familiar. The one I’d danced with. The one who knew my father. I tried to back away from the healer, but there were too many people. They held my arm down. Someone put a cup to my lips.

  I pulled my head away.

  “For the pain,” the healer said.

  “No,” I replied.

  My mother had been given herbs. Right dose or wrong, I wasn’t trusting anything.

  “Kimess, you’re hurt,” Remmy said.

  “I’ll be fine. I don’t want any drugs.” I shook my head slowly as I stared him in the eye.

  “You think it was meant for you?” he asked.

  I did, but that sounded so egotistical. But the pattern. I felt like my tea was spiked with herbs that first night. The poisoned wine. Now, the arrow. I couldn’t be too careful.

  “Me or the queen. Obviously, the queen is the most likely target, but that attempt was so…” I lost my train of thought.

  “It was stupid. Either that archer was very bad or very good.” Remmy held my other hand.

  “We must remove it first.” The healer held out the cup again.

  “Just pull it out.” I turned my head away from that cup.

  “You think they’re going to poison you?” Remmy asked.

  “Someone is trying to kill me. I don’t want to use pain killers or sleeping aids,” I said softly.

  The healers restrained my arm. “Hold still.”

  Remmy kissed my forehead. “I won’t let anyone kill you.”

  I nodded and smiled weakly.

  “How is she?” a voice came from hall.

  I tried to focus. LeFawn, Minnette, and Nemal stood there.

  Minnette and Nemal both looked angry and concerned. LeFawn was just scared.

  “She won’t take anything for pain,” Remmy said.

  “Take it, Kimess,” LeFawn said.

  “No.” I glared at the healer. “Just get it out and close the wound.”

  A machine passed over my arm first.

  “We should put her out,” a healer said.

  “No,” I said.

  “Damn it, you’re torturing her.” Nemal charged forward and yanked out the arrow.

  I screamed. The blinding pain sent tears from my squeezed tight eyelids. Another machine cast a blue light over my elbow and popping and cracking came from my bone. A healer put a hand on my shoulder. Their healing touch could repair tissue, but the throbbing pain remained.

  Breathing deeply, I let them work and blocked out all the emotions in the room.

  Aches lingered as I woke. Apparently, with enough pain, I lost consciousness. Opening my eyes, I had no idea how much time had passed. I was in my chambers.

  “How do you feel?” Marel asked softly.

  “Sore. How long was I out?” I asked.

  “A few hours. Why wouldn’t you take the medication?” LeFawn popped up from a chair.

  “You didn’t have to stay and watch me.” I tried to sit up, but my left arm refused to help.

  “Stay still. Drin
k this.” Marel offered me a cup.

  I gave her an unsure look.

  “It’s just water,” she said.

  I sipped the water, and my throat felt better. “Thanks.”

  “They left you herbs for the pain and to help you sleep.” LeFawn pointed to the dresser.

  “Did they force any drugs on me while I was out?” I asked.

  “No. Once you passed out, they worked on you, and there was no point.” She shrugged. “But they left plenty.”

  “I’m not taking them,” I said. “Someone wants me dead.”

  “You’re being a little self-centered.” LeFawn sat on the bed.

  I winced. “They want to kill me or your mother. Even if I’m not the target, I don’t want to get hooked on any medications. They might try to say my mother was overusing the sleeping herbs and killed herself. I won’t let them say I’m taking anything.”

  Marel poured some tea. “I know that you’re paranoid because of your mother taking those sleeping herbs. The healers won’t overdose you. I wouldn’t let that happen.”

  “Maybe. Maybe her herbs were laced with something else? All I know for sure is that that arrow wasn’t an accident. The Bachal wanted to show off their ancient weapon and target skills? A big show of strength?” I asked.

  “They are negotiating the peace. Showing off their troops and military skills makes a point.” LeFawn shrugged.

  “So we let them put on a threatening display and fire real weapons? I don’t think it was just to intimidate. Accidents happen, and if they had killed the queen…” I looked down at my arm.

  The scar where the arrow had pierced my skin was small and red. My whole arm was a bit swollen, but the ache was inside. The healers could’ve killed me in many ways, no doubt. I was being paranoid, but it was possible that whoever wanted me dead had friends everywhere. The biggest flaw in my gift was my own future was always hazy, at best.

  “If they killed my mother, it would mean war,” LeFawn said.

  “But if it’s an accident?” I prompted.

  LeFawn folded her arms tight. “Then Minnette is on the throne. She’d have to decide how to treat the accident. It would be war. She’s not ready to rule.”

  I nodded. “If they killed me?”

  “No Royal Seer. No one in the fifth family is as strong as you,” Marel said.

  “I know I’m not trained or as experienced…My mother would be so much better. I can’t shake the idea that someone was trying to sabotage this negotiation. Maybe it goes as far back as my mother’s death.” I’d been so worried about my father’s political connections or rebellion—that it was personal. Maybe it was about starting a war. Eliminate the strongest players on our side, and a Bachal victory would be easier.

  LeFawn nodded. “Well, that’s something to think about.”

  “You’re thinking too much. You need to rest.” Marel set a cool pack on my forehead, then handed me a cup of tea. “I made it. Totally safe. Just tea.”

  An unexpected knock at the door made us all turn and look.

  I tried sitting up again and had more success. “Thank you. I will rest tonight, unless the queen needs me. I’ll be fine tomorrow.”

  Marel answered the door, and Nemal walked in with a large bouquet of flowers.

  “You’re feeling better?” he asked.

  “I’m fine. You didn’t need to bother.” I pointed to the flowers. I didn’t want to encourage him to move too fast. If people caught on there was anything between us, the pressure to defend it or end it would be instantaneous. Added to my situation, it was better if Nemal didn’t tangle himself up with me yet.

  He smiled as Marel took the flowers. “Minn is already lecturing Remmy about giving people the wrong idea. Carrying you to medical care is one thing. He was too close to you and protective when the healers were around. People are talking. So maybe my visiting you will calm Minn down or level off her controlling overprotectiveness.”

  “Minnette is determined to keep me away from her brothers. Thank you for the flowers. Your sister needs to understand Remmy is like the big brother I never had. Nothing else.” Things started getting a bit fuzzy, and I leaned back on the pillows.

  LeFawn smiled and kissed her brother on the cheek. “Nemal tackled the fool who shot Kimess, and Remmy carried her to safety. My brothers are heroes.”

  “No hero. Just doing the right things. Can I talk to Kimess alone?” he asked.

  Marel nodded. “I’ll get a vase for the flowers.”

  “Why do I have to leave?” LeFawn asked her older brother.

  “Just go,” he said.

  “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.” LeFawn wagged a finger at him. “She needs to rest.”

  “Understood.” Nemal smiled.

  LeFawn left with a sigh.

  Nemal sat on the side of the bed. “You’re all right?”

  “Yes. The healers put me back together. Thanks for pulling the arrow out. The silly debate about the pain medications was just prolonging it.” I blocked out his seething anger and concern.

  “You’re stubborn. I don’t blame you with all you’ve been through. The Bachal are taking the accident very seriously. Those were supposed to be expert archers. Do you believe it was an attempt on my mother?” he asked.

  I shrugged. “What did the trajectory show? If I hadn’t moved people, where would it have landed?”

  He looked me in the eye. “It would’ve pierced your neck, entering right below your right ear and clean through. Breaking your neck and most likely killing you instantly.”

  “Me?” I nodded. “I shoved your mother for nothing.”

  “You saved lives. The wind could’ve taken the arrow off course. We ran simulations. Not an effective mode to assassinate anyone.” Nemal took my right hand.

  “Just trying to scare us? Veiled threats?” I didn’t believe it.

  “You’re the seer,” he said.

  “When it’s me, it’s hard to get a clear read. I’ll try, but it was more than an accident.” I squeezed his hand. “I think they’re looking for an excuse for a war.”

  “They don’t need an excuse. Starting a war doesn’t require permission.” Nemal’s hand tensed. “If they really want it, they can start it.”

  “We don’t want war,” I whispered.

  He leaned in and kissed my forehead. When Remmy had done that it felt brotherly. Nemal never felt that way.

  “LeFawn will be back soon,” I warned him.

  “He won’t get away with it. The man who did this will pay.” Nemal stared into my eyes. He kissed me softly before I could argue. It was getting harder to resist, even with the guilt and grief that welled up as soon as I let myself enjoy these stolen moments.

  That one man wasn’t the danger. He was a tool, but there was no reasoning with Nemal. Not in this state. Tilting my head, I enjoyed the gentle kiss. I pressed a hand to his chest and eased him back.

  “LeFawn is coming?” he asked.

  “Minnette should be yelling at you, not Remmy.” I smiled.

  He chuckled. “She needs to find a man who can handle her and make her happy. She doesn’t want to be upstaged.”

  “She shouldn’t worry,” I said.

  Nemal pulled away. “You’re right. She will be queen. She is the princess and has her pick of men. You, stay in bed. Rest. If Mother needs you, she’ll send for you.”

  “Marel and LeFawn will take good care of me.” I reached for my cold tea and sipped it.

  “The troops have been sent back to their ships. No more displays. The king claims to be furious.” Nemal stood.

  “I’m safer than most because I sensed the danger. Maybe I earned some loyalty points for trying to save your mother and sister?” I asked.

  “My mother doesn’t question your loyalty. With Minnette, you definitely improved things, but she’s very changeable,” he warned.

  “I’m aware.” I took a deep breath and lifted my injured arm.
r />   “You’ll be better in no time.” He ran a hand over the scar.

  I shivered as his touch tingled on my skin. “It’s sensitive.”

  “Sorry. You had a shock, no matter how fast it heals. Rest.” He headed for the door.

  When he opened it, Marel and LeFawn were outside. I smiled at their discretion and how carefully they watched Nemal and me for reactions.

  “Keep an eye on her,” Nemal said to his sister.

  I rolled my eyes at Marel, but she only blushed as she set the vase down and began arranging the flowers. LeFawn flounced in and busied herself with things on the table nearby.

  “You don’t need to fuss, Princess.” I was the seer now. Not just her friend.

  “You’re my best friend, and I will fuss if I like.” She grabbed my teacup to warm it up.

  I smiled at her, and we were just friends again, for the moment.

  Chapter 21

  Three days in bed, and I wanted to crawl up the walls. I had too many people hovering over me. They were trying to make up for the fact that my mother wasn’t around to take care of me. I understood and appreciated it, but it was hard to rest.

  Even worse, I had too much time to think about all of the things I needed to do. To understand the truth, instead of what I’d been told by my family, was critical. My mother and father both had secrets. If I uncovered them, I’d be in a better position to keep myself alive.

  The healers came by daily to check on my recovery. One of the healers was a male who never spoke to me. I dipped into his brain and found disappointment. He’d wanted me to die.

  “Do you attend the people in the dungeons as well?” I asked.

  He waited until the other healers had moved to the other room with their things. Then, he smiled at me. “No, but they do receive treatment. I hope your father is doing well.”

  “I’m not allowed down there to see him much.” I chose my words carefully.

  “If I hear of any news, I’ll be sure to pass it along. But no doubt you have spies and friends in the castle.” He collected his things.

  “I haven’t found much use for spies,” I replied.

  He bowed. “You will.”